Prostate Cancer Expert: Despite Controversy, PSA Test Still Best Weapon

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month spotlights California as home to the highest number of sufferers

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Aug 25, 2011, 01:49 ET

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent controversy over prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening for middle-aged men does not diminish the critical importance of a health test that spares thousands of lives annually, says an expert who practices medicine in a state where more men die of prostate cancer than in any other.

With September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Stephen Taylor of Concord-based Pacific Urology says that with one in six men developing the disease and approximately 25,000 males affected in California annually, men cannot afford to dismiss the PSA test regardless of critics' charges.

No one is more of a believer than Alfred Diggs of Concord, who was diagnosed at age 55, underwent a prostatectomy and remained cancer free for 11 years. He is undergoing radiation for recurrence, but says he is confident in overcoming the disease.

"The more people know about prostate cancer, the more we can save. It hasn't been an easy road, but I am happy to be here and celebrating life," says Alfred.

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a relative 5-year survival rate of nearly 100 percent and a relative 10-year survival rate of 91 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Yet the American Cancer Society forecasts 4,300 California deaths in 2011, followed by 2,160 in Florida and 2,060 in Texas.

Five Steps to Prostate Cancer Prevention:
1.	Test Annually
	Men should undergo annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test screenings and digital rectal exams (DRE) starting at age 50 or earlier. High-risk groups such as African American men should begin testing at age 35-40.
2.	Listen to Your Body
	A change in the frequency, urgency and pressure during urination, painful urination or the presence of blood in urine are all warning signs, as are other symptoms. See more at www.PacificUrology.com/prostate-cancer-prevention
3.	Regulate Diet & Alcohol Intake
	Eat healthy, balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Consume no more than two drinks per day as studies show regular heavy drinking increases risk.
4.	Maintain a Healthy Weight
	Obesity may affect hormone levels related to prostate cancer risk.
5.	Exercise Regularly
	At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to seven times per week guards against multiple health risks.

About Pacific Urology

With clinics in Concord, Walnut Creek, Antioch, Brentwood, San Ramon, and Livermore, Pacific Urology is one of the San Francisco Bay Area's largest urology practices. Pacific Urology offers a combined expertise of nearly a century of collective experience in urologic health. www.PacificUrology.com

SOURCE Pacific Urology